The Greatest Night in Pop
The Greatest Night in Pop
At first, “The Greatest Night in Pop” seems to be one of those episodes many wish to avoid when they learn of its existence in the first place. How many times can one listen to dull, talking heads anecdotal music docs? Nevertheless, Sundance has evolved into one of the places where music documentaries come out of the box and do not depict simply musicians talking about their nostalgic achievements. It is one thing to recall the stir that surrounded the screening of “Twenty Feet From Stardom” on its premiere night.
There was also the excitement that came with “Summer Of Soul” when it premiered online for the first time at Sundance in 2021. Last year, even Tags about Little Richard and the Indigo Girls were played. Thus, it is only appropriate that a documentary about the making of “We Are The World” is set to begin streaming on Netflix next week after making its debut at Sundance.
The portion of rock a documentary that is fresh news is that thisto a large extent keeps away the pattern of lackluster rock docs by being very detail-oriented, with the recording being its strong point as it shows great ligature misses in the song writing, some room disagreements, and even one fighter who simply drank too many glasses of wine.
Everyone that watches “The Greatest Night in Pop” will be left with the wonder of Quincy Jones’s genius. Sure, Lionel Richie (who is actually the focus of this film) and Michael Jackson contributed to the creation of “ We Are the World”, but it is Quincy who was able to mesh such distinct personalities into probably the standout recording of the 1980s. The way he works is captivating, the signature of a master in his element. (By the way, Bob Geldof is great too.)
Up to that, The Greatest Night in Pop spends quite a bit of time covering the events that revolved around the music industry during and the major influences in 1984, attempting to build context for Harry Belafonte’s decision (which is quite justified, considering how much of 20th century history he truly has contributed to) to create an American single in response to “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” In order to tackle African hunger. Miami hit him hard for a number of songwriters—Richie and Jackson became the key songwriters—Richie has a few good stories about working at MJ’s mansion, surrounded by Bubbles and other shadow animals—but in terms of time strategy to Ken Kragen.
Richie on January 21,1985 hosted American Music Awards and Kragen in essence invited everybody who performed or came to the show to get out to the studio and make music history.
The GNP title’s first act also has a lot of explaining and reminding the audience about the important characters. How come Stevie Wonder’s input was that important? What made them choose Cyndi Lauper instead of Madonna? Did they try to contact Prince? How terrified was Huey Lewis? Unfortunately, no one seems to explain why Dan Aykroyd came there in the first place.
After what could be an arch-typical VH1 introduction, when everyone arrives in the studio, it is giving “The Greatest Night in Pop” its due. There’s a lot of footage from that night and great trivia, most of which comes thanks to Sheila E., Bruce Springsteen, Huey Lewis, and Smokey Robinson who mentions how he restrained Jackson from some disastrous lyric changes since he possessed the guts to oppose the King of Pop.
From Richie’s cooking style to Dylan’s nervousness about singing high notes to the need for altering the lyrics during the performance, those who appreciate music documentaries will be enthralled. Music bio-docs may be running out of steam, yet “The Greatest Night” works by being specific and illuminating the matter in question.
Of course, it raises the question whether some contemporary practitioners can replicate such ventures as: “We Are the World” (and don’t you even mention that blasphemous rendition of “Imagine”). There is a feeling that what once transpired in that studio back in 1985 has a certain magical quality to it. Was it the greatest night? I do not know. But this film will make you feel that it was a unique night indeed.
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- Genre: Documentary
- Country: United States
- Director: Bao Nguyen
- Cast: Lionel Richie, Harriet Sternberg, Wendy Rees
